Mom was right: Send those thank-you notes

Remember all those thank-you notes you had to write as a kid? It turns out, your mom was right. They do matter.

Interviewers frequently struggle with choosing the best job candidate because there typically is more than one candidate who matches the job description. Sometimes the smallest aspect of an interview is what gets you the job offer. For example, someone once told me that several weeks after he was hired, his new boss told him the reason he was hired was, “of the 14 candidates I interviewed, you were the only one who sent a thank-you note the next day.”

It may seem like a small thing, but a well-written thank-you note can make a big impression. And, it’s one more reminder of who you are, your skills and the benefits you can bring to the employer.

Express appreciation for the interview, and convey what you had in common. Now is the time to distinguish your background from other candidates. Approach your letter as you would when building rapport during a conversation.

Reinforce key skills you have that match the employer’s needs, sending a clear message that you have the desired qualifications. Take the time to personalize the note so it has significance to the interviewer or hiring decision-maker.

Confirm or correct any concerns that might have surfaced in the interview, if needed.